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A large crowd gathers at the water's edge at a Kumbh Mela shahi snaan. In the foreground, a figure with long dreadlocked hair, wearing a white dhoti and rudraksha malas, stands waist-deep in water with arms spread, surrounded by men in white dhotis and maroon or red shawls wearing gold and rudraksha necklaces. Behind them, sadhus in orange and saffron robes stand in the river among onlookers. Many people hold red and orange flags, and umbrellas, decorated poles and a stage with banners are visible on the bank. Many photographers with cameras crowd the scene.

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Photograph of a large crowd gathered at the water's edge during a ritual bathing scene. In the centre, a figure with long dark matted hair and bare back stands waist-deep in greenish water, with hands raised, surrounded by many men wearing white dhotis and rudraksha malas, some with bare chests, plus women in saffron and orange saris. Behind them a dense crowd of onlookers holds red and orange flags and umbrellas, and a red-and-gold palanquin-like structure appears at the left edge. Some people hold cameras. Many faces are visible; the crowd is far larger than twenty-one.2016-05-21A large crowd gathers at a riverbank for a ritual bathing event, with many people standing in shallow water. In the centre, a long-haired sadhu with dreadlocks stands waist-deep, with his back to the camera, holding a trident-like staff. Around him, men in white dhotis and rudraksha malas stand in water, and women in orange and red saris and gold necklaces are nearby. Red and saffron flags and umbrellas rise above the crowd, and photographers and phones fill the foreground. The water is murky green-brown.2016-05-21A large crowd of devotees gathers in shallow river water during a Kumbh Mela shahi snan. Many men wear white dhotis or cloth wraps with brown and maroon shawls and rudraksha malas, some with bare chests. A figure in the center with long dark matted locks stands waist-deep in the water, holding a trident-like staff upright, with a brass kalasha-style vessel near them. Men in orange and saffron robes stand nearby, and red flags, ceremonial umbrellas and a stage structure rise above the crowd. Photographers with cameras line the edge of the water.2016-05-21May 21 20162016-05-21Large crowd gathered at a riverbank festival with many red and orange flags and parasols. In the foreground, a long-haired figure with bare back and dark hair hangs in the water, facing away, while men in white dhotis with rudraksha malas and women in saffron and red saris stand waist-deep in the water around them. Some people raise their hands and many photographers and onlookers line the shore. Crowd estimated in the hundreds, beyond the countable range for this scene.2016-05-21May 21 20162016-05-21May 21 20162016-05-21A large crowd gathers at the water's edge during a river bathing rite. In the foreground, a figure with long matted dreadlocks, bare-backed and dressed in a reddish-brown cloth, stands waist-deep in water facing the crowd, surrounded by men and women in white and cream robes with orange-red shawls and layered garlands. Several people hold tall silver staffs and a trident. Behind them, devotees in white, yellow and red clothing press together under red and orange flags, umbrellas and banners, many raising phones to record. The scene suggests a sacred water ceremony at a crowded riverbank.2016-05-21May 21 20162016-05-21May 21 20162016-05-21A large crowd gathers at a riverbank or water ritual, with many people standing waist-deep in water. In the centre, a figure with long dreadlocks and bare shoulders stands facing the group, with a second figure beside him. Around them, men in white dhotis wear long beaded garlands and rudraksha-style necklaces, and women in red and maroon saris also wear gold ornaments. Several people hold red and orange flags, and a trident stands at the right edge. Spectators and photographers fill the background on the bank and rooftops. This appears to be a snan or river bathing ritual during a sannyas-related event.2016-05-21May 21 20162016-05-21